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Having considered God as acting within Himself and in His works, we come now to consider Him as the object of man's action, as the end of man, as his beatitude. Rational beings act with knowledge of what they do, and always have some object in view; this guides their actions, this they endeavour to attain. The sailor at sea always remembers the port for which his ship is chartered, and every single action of every day is directed to that end. The soldier in battle thinks only of the object of attack, and he makes everything, including life, subordinate thereto. The merchant buys and sells, always with careful calculation of his gains. Every one but a savage uses articles for their proper purpose, and follows carefully the directions for their use. Every one gives credit to the maker of a machine for knowing exactly its capabilities and the precautions that must be observed with it. Nothing is more important than to ascertain the final purpose of this world, the destiny of man in particular, the laws on which his successful action depends, the manner in which he ought to use the gifts bestowed on him. Yet, in this matter of supreme importance the majority of mankind act without the least forethought or even intelligence. Do not be so negligent. Keep the divine purpose ever before your eyes to guide every detail of your life. "O Lord, make me know my end, and what is the number of my days; that I may know what is wanting to me"
(Ps. xxxviii. 5).
